MODERN RUSSIAN ARMOUR USED IN COMBAT - T-72B3M BUILD 3rd Feb 2025

[Brokeneagle]

T-72B3M in the Ukraine
This was the tank that caught my interest initially, super tough looking, heaps of updated details like the stand-off armour grates, Relik box turret armour, charge bag armour plus the ever present 'mag wheel' spoke design which I love.

While I was waiting for the T-80U kit to be released I started building-up a T-72B3M, which is the version of the T-72B3 updated in 2019-2022 used in the ukraine. I am going to base the weathering and damage on multiple tanks that I have reference photos of and just have some fun with it.
I have a few after market extras plus a Turned metal barrel and Ariel from Aber

The chassis is the beginning point with movable suspension arms that can get a bit 'fidley in places, especially the braced front and rear ones. I ended -up working out a better method than the instructions suggested.

Meng provide a JIG for positioning the torsion arms, which made it a little easier but I wanted to add weight and sag to the front due to the mine plough and it just being a reconditioned 2016 B3 (which was where they were coming from). I just needed to position the JIG a little more forward to achieve this.
The big difference in construction of this chassis compared to the RFM T-80U is that it is molded in 1 piece and is much easier to construct. I am not sure why RFM has gone with the rear sides and front all being seperately molded. This T-72 Meng kit is much easier and not that different from a T-80.

 

[Brokeneagle]

Starting on the wheels...........
Images show that some of these tanks can have some really worn down wheels, probably depending on their age and money spent on rehab back into the field.
The captured ones now used by the Ukrainians can have some absolutely ablitorated rubber!

Original condition

worked on with small motor grinding tools (as described previously here]

Damaging rubber tyred tank wheels

Hello Everyone, I have put together a little article on how I deteriorate a rubber road wheel for a German tank. This would probably suit other vehicles I suppose but I have not looked for the effect on allied vehicles. :unsure: I hope this helps those of you who are looking for a way to do...

modelersalliance.org

I then added some modelling paste to the after-market rims [without rubber], to use as the two front wheel rims with virtually no rubber left on them. These have the alternate pattern wheel spokes that can be mixed with newer and older, as seen on this image of a T-90M (below) without the side skirt armour. This T-90M actually has 3 different styles of spoke patterned wheels.

sanded down a little with fine sand paper

 

[Brokeneagle]

A little more builld progress on this ......... I am enjoying the build on this one with plenty of mods to the side armoured panels.
First up is the chassis, now with the top section added and side panels with ongoing mods. The details on this kit are really nice with 'heaps of details' just waiting to be highlighted with the paint stage.
Current progress on -
* PE engine deck screens and vent covers.
*'Modding' the front guards(damage andseperate the front rubber section).
*'Modding' the side guards (damage and seperate each panel).

I still need to thin that right side guard a little more from underneath. I thought that the rubber section went further back but the photo at the top of this section shows that it should be a lot thinner.
Rear louver covers added and ditching beam.

Some references for the damage these vehicles get to their side panels. This part is really fun just mixing and matching to the actual damage they get in the field - you know me, I hate it when it looks new or pristine (which is why I don't model 'curbside cars').

Adding some retaining bolts for the missing armoured panels.

The side armour comes as one large section but can easily be carved -up to simulate individual damaged sections. The rubber sections on these can be scratched, dented and gouged.

...and the next bit of 'kit' is the sexy KMT-8 mine clearer.

 

[moon puppy]

I missed the previous updated Ian, sorry, I have a work excuse for that.
These soviet tanks look so mechanical (that sounds stupid) but with all the bolt on stuff and appendages coming off them. They almost look Mech like.
Looking great so far!

 

[Brokeneagle]

These soviet tanks look so mechanical (that sounds stupid) but with all the bolt on stuff and appendages coming off them. They almost look Mech like.
Looking great so far!

Thanks MP and I totally agree with you. I think that is part of the allure for me with this 'new fascination/ obsession'. They really do have a 'mech flavour' about them, with a little insect like stuff as well.

 

[Steve Ski]

Dang, yall got that right. Now that you mention it, MP, they sure do. Ian, these are some awesome ref pics to work from, all beat ta heck and beyond. Who said you could over-do battle damage to as Russian tank? The progress so far tells me this is gonna be another doozy!

 

[Brokeneagle]

Some turret stuff............... nice textures

I added some voyager brass smoke dischargers so that I could have a few of them looking open and spent. The shape and length is different from the kit ones but the end caps fitted OK.

The red circle on the image below shows where I have added a missing weld seam to the rear canister (barrel cleaning rods)?


I also purchased a very nice ABER barrel that still needs some details added for the thermal cover.

 

[Steve Ski]

That is a ton of detail on that turret, woof!

 

[Brokeneagle]

Dang, yall got that right. Now that you mention it, MP, they sure do. Ian, these are some awesome ref pics to work from, all beat ta heck and beyond. Who said you could over-do battle damage to as Russian tank? The progress so far tells me this is gonna be another doozy!

Thanks Steve, I have a lot of photos of damaged T-72B3M's with the side armour and stand-off slatted armour panels very damaged.......I haven't even got to those yet. I have to flick back to my WW1 tanks now as I am on the home run with those 2.
Back ASAP.

That is a ton of detail on that turret, woof!

Yeah, they are 'jam-packed' with it. It has been a real eye-opener for me with these modern tanks and how much more detail they have over the WW2 stuff. I have built so much 1940's era for so long that I will be sticking to these modern ones for a change of pace and interest. I have even had a detail hit with the WW1 MKV british tank - its the same, a ton of detail. I could build a few of those as well.

 

[Sharkmouth]

The horrendous part is having too much information calling to be incorporated!

 

[Barney]

The horrendous part is having too much information calling to be incorporated!

Hmmmmmm.... let's see.... 3D, Resin, PE, scratch build tracks metal barrels I guess there might be a bit of extra stuff to consider

 

[Sharkmouth]

Four different road wheel patterns. Number 4 and 3 are different and of the second spoke pattern (from eight to six as the former is on wheel 3). wheel one is the latest wheel design with the spokes reaching the rim.